Eakins played 4 seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)[4] for the Peterborough Petes, being named the captain in his final year and also the team's best defenceman that season. Jeff Twohey who was with the Petes for 3 decades called him the best captain the team ever had, saying "He was a great leader. He was a hard worker, loyal, tough, and never afraid to confront people. He knew how to keep players in line."[5]

Eakins once made a bet with Cincinnati radio personality Dennis "Wildman" Walker of WEBN while a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones that he would not score more than 3 goals in one season. Wildman Walker known for his "Big Hair" stated that Eakins could shave his head at centre ice of the Cincinnati Gardens if he eclipsed that mark. Eakins not only scored six goals, but did it in 30 games. The head shaving took place at centre ice, prior to a game in December 1994, against the Long Beach Ice Dogs.